Dubai, UAE: The Middle East homeland security market is on course for significant growth over the next five years, with revenues more than doubling in value from an estimated US$9.6 billion in 2017 to US$19.7 billion by 2022, new research has revealed.

According to analysts Frost & Sullivan (F&S), the regional homeland security market, comprising monitoring and surveillance systems, restricted entry systems, and perimeter security solutions, will grow annually by 15.5 percent between 2017 and 2022, fuelled by security investments in major infrastructure projects and the ongoing expansion in the building and construction industry.

The growth is particularly evident in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as governments prepare to bolster internal security measures in preparation for large-scale global events such as the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022, and the Dubai Expo 2020.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominate the regional market according to F&S, with Saudi holding a 45 percent share of revenue in 2017 (US$4.3 billion, followed by the UAE with a 16.6 percent share (US$1.6 billion).

Demand is high for integrated solutions, with regional governments prioritising public safety and security of critical assets. In response, global players are lining up their latest wares at Intersec 2018, the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection.

The 20th edition of the three-day event takes place from 21-23 January 2018 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and features a Homeland Security & Policing Section.

More than 100 of the 1,300-plus exhibitors will showcase their frontline range of products and solutions at the dedicated show section, from airport security technology, armoured vehicles and Special Forces equipment to electronics, surveillance and detection systems.

“Vulnerability of large infrastructure has been a matter of concern for Middle East governments, prompting investment toward enhancing homeland security,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Intersec’s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

“Internal police forces and public infrastructure projects, including street utilities, public car parking, stadiums, roads and buildings, will create huge demand as regional countries, especially in the GCC, look to create a smart and secure environment.

“For its part, Intersec has served as an unmatched business facilitator and networking platform for the international safety and security community for the last two decades. The exhibition has proved to be a popular launch pad for many security solutions in use today that ensure the safety and security of society and citizens,” he added.

According to F&S, monitoring and surveillance will account for the largest share of the Middle East homeland security market, and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5 percent to reach US$9.5 billion by 2022, from US$4.4 billion in 2017.

Ironically, a notable Homeland Security & Policing exhibitor at Intersec 2018 specialises in counter surveillance; Research Electronics International (REI), has designed and manufactured technical security equipment to protect against illicit information theft and corporate espionage for more than 30 years.

The US-headquartered company will showcase a suite of portable technical surveillance countermeasures equipment that quickly detects electronic surveillance devices including hidden cameras and microphones, eavesdropping bugs, and other transmitters.

Michael Scantland, International Sales Manager of REI said due to the sensitive nature of the counter surveillance industry, the discovery of illicit eaves-dropping devices is not universally shared.

“Wrongful exposure of sensitive information including merger or acquisition planning, financial projections, or executive behaviour can severely harm an organisation,” said Scantland. “The mere perception of compromised information can lead to stock decline, negative publicity, damaged business relationships, and loss of customer confidence.

“From a counter surveillance perspective, there’s a growing trend where traditional eavesdropping techniques are coupling with advanced technology to create a greater threat. Examples include GSM-modified wireless keyloggers, Wi-FI IP cameras, and security cameras being hacked using malware and infrared light. As technology advances, these trends will continue,” Scantland added.

According to F&S, upcoming stadiums for the Qatar World Cup 2022 and public transportation projects are set to boost the Middle East Homeland Security market’s restricted entry systems segment from US$3.14 billion in 2017 to US$6.18 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 14.5 percent.

Backed by several cultural and political infrastructure projects, especially in Saudi, perimeter security solutions will also double in size, growing at a CAGR of 14.8 percent, from US$2 billion in 2017 to US$4 billion in 2022.

That will come as good news for Russian manufacturer RADIOBARRIER, which will introduce at Intersec 2018 its Autonomous Perimeter Security System, an Unattended Ground Sensor-based system for area surveillance and perimeter protection for zones with no power and communication infrastructure.

CEO Ravil Kalimulin said RADIOBARRIER is an ideal security solution for a wide range of public and commercial applications, from oil well clusters, refineries, nuclear plants and power towers, to remote facilities, military and air bases.

“RADIOBARRIER is currently supplied to 25 countries and is securing more the 7,500 km worldwide,” said Kalimulin. “Intersec 2018 has been selected as a universal platform to showcase our products in the Middle East and North African region focusing on homeland security and infrastructure protection and to open up the new niche for us.

“We are at the demonstration stage in the region at that moment, but we’re sure that our system is in high demand and would be used in coming projects in the region very soon.”

Elsewhere, another USA based manufacturer Gatekeeper will shine the spotlight on its of Automatic Under Vehicle Inspection (AUVIS) systems as well as both Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) and Driver-focused (DriverCam) camera systems.

Christopher Millar, CEO of Gatekeeper, said the versatility of its products, inclusive of the overall solutions provided, means its target markets are varied and wide.

“This is inclusive of everything from oil and gas sectors to sea and airports to critical infrastructure projects, as well as numerous other sectors,” said Millar.

“We’ve noticed an active change in the market for which customers and consumers are looking for pre-existing or new screening technologies that work automatically. This feature alone is what Gatekeeper prides itself on, in which we apply automated solutions to each and every one of our products.”

Also looking to make an impact with its Long Range motorised zoom lenses and fixed focal length lenses is VS Technology from Japan. The company designs and manufactures a range of over 500 machine vision lenses as well as a complete range of customised lenses. VS Technology’s Yamano Security Lens division also manufacturers some of the world’s highest quality CCTV lenses.

Tatsushi Oda, Managing Director of VST Europe, said: “The main reason for exhibiting at Intersec is to improve our presence in the market. In addition, it’s a great opportunity to showcase our product range in one of the biggest security exhibitions worldwide.

“We’ll demonstrate our recently developed long range motorised zoom lenses, and at the same time, we’ll show off our near Infrared as well as short wave Infrared fixed focal length lenses for the first time. These can be used in Facial recognition or number plate recognition systems.”

New developments include a Drones Pavilion and an indoor Drone Zone, while returning features include the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion in the Fire & Rescue section, as well as an Outdoor Demonstration Zone of the latest fire rescue applications in action.

Intersec 2018 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and supported by the Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, the Dubai Police Academy, SIRA, and the Dubai Municipality.